"A valuable skill and a lovely memory. If we're not careful, we're going to sound like something out of a story ourselves. Two years from now some new down in the heels refugee from who knows where will approach me in the Gallows, and I'll say, 'Ah, yes, Hawke. She taught me how to boil a mean crab,' but my expression will give the rest of it away." He was poking a little fun at himself, his smile somewhat self-deprecating.

"No, I don't think more time would have helped me. People do come to us later in life at times. It's harder on them, giving up so much autonomy and bowing to the stringent dictates of life as a recruit. I have a hard time imagining going from the full freedom of adulthood to this life." He could only hope that those he left behind had done as well for themselves in their choices and decisions.

"It's hard not to listen to Varric. He talks a great deal." There was a teasing light in his eyes. Two could play coy.